FAO's role in animal health
The link between human and animal populations, and the surrounding environment, is particularly close in developing regions where animals provide transportation, draught power, fuel, clothing, high-quality proteins (meat, eggs and milk) and source of income. Therefore, animal health is a core element for sustainable development and livestock production.
As changes in livestock production increase the potential for new pathogens to emerge, grow and spread from animals to humans, healthy animals are closely related to healthy people and a healthy environment. Through the One Health approach, FAO contributes to improving animal health to make livestock production more productive and sustainable while achieving optimal health for all at the human-animal-environment interface.
Areas of work
Stories
Events
19/2
2026
Veterinary biosecurity performance roadmap - Operationalize leadership in prevention and emergency disease control
19/02/2026
The upcoming webinar will focus on the strategic, practical, and operational role of veterinarians in strengthening biosecurity across animal health systems. With increasing pressure from transboundary, emerging, and endemic animal diseases...
18/2
2026
Launch of the FAO guide on mpox case detection in animals
18/02/2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will host a global webinar to officially launch the Mpox case detection in animals - A guide to epidemiological and laboratory investigations, a new technical resource...
Publications
Videos
Update from FAO, WOAH and the OFFLU on latest initiatives for avian influenza prevention and control
13/02/2026
Avian influenza (AI) remains a major global challenge for poultry production, trade, wildlife, livelihoods and public health. The spread of AI into...
Beyond the manual: A holistic approach to biosecurity implementation through WABA, SOPs, information
04/02/2026
This series explores how biosecurity can be consistently and sustainably implemented across educational, institutional, and field settings, contributing...
Rift Valley Fever Early Warning Decision Support Tool (RVF DST)
10/12/2025
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a climate-sensitive, vector-borne zoonotic disease that affects livestock, people, and livelihoods across Africa. To strengthen...